L.A. Times
Nothing is guaranteed except the roster of 15
By Mike Bresnahan, Times Staff Writer
October 26, 2006
Phil Jackson's least favorite time is arriving.
He agonizes over roster cuts every year, even devoting extensive space to the concept in one of his books, detailing how hard it was to cut Jannero Pargo a few years back.
The Lakers currently have 18 players on their roster, three more than the league allows. They must pare down to 15 by Monday afternoon, although they are expected to start trimming today despite their influx of injuries. Any players kept after today begin drawing pro-rated portions of their salaries, even if their contracts are not guaranteed.
The Lakers have three non-guaranteed players on their roster: rookie J.R. Pinnock and second-year players Devin Green and Von Wafer.
DAILYNEWS.com
Help from the left hand
BY ROSS SILER, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated:10/25/2006 10:12:32 PM PDT
EL SEGUNDO - As soon as he said the words, Lakers forward Lamar Odom had to stop and correct himself. Until Odom starts using his right hand on the court, there's no use in describing himself as Kobe Bryant's right-hand man.
So Odom will set his sights on being Bryant's "left-hand man," a role all the more important as Bryant continues to recover from knee surgery.
Odom said he hopes to lighten the load on Bryant, who had to average 35.4 points and play 41minutes a game for the Lakers to make the playoffs. The Lakers coaches, in turn, are hoping for more out of Odom, a player they almost have to beg to shoot.
If Bryant is unable to play in Tuesday's season opener against Phoenix, Odom would be counted on to lead in his absence. He can fill up a box score like few others in the NBA, but the Lakers instead are looking for Odom to be on the attack.
Laker Reports: 10/26
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